"Trying to see a Physiotherapist in Newquay Cornwall"

I have had severe pain in my knee for 6 weeks. Eventually I decided that it was not improving with self help - ice packs, anti-inflams, gels, compression, rest etc. I made an appointment with the local GP surgery in Padstow as the pain was disturbing my sleep. The GP advised me to visit the Newquay Hospital Physiotherapist Drop-in Centre for a diagnosis/treatment. Next day I arrived at 8am in the morning for an opening time of 8. 30. I and a number of other people were turned away at 8. 30 because there were no more drop-in appointments. I was advised by the staff to comeback in the afternoon at 3pm when there would be more appointments. I enquired that as I was there in the morning and being turned away, and have had a round journey of 15 miles to get to the centre could I not book one of the slots in the afternoon. This was "not allowed" and I would have to turn up in the afternoon and take my chance. I arrived at 2. 30pm to be told I should of been present at 1. 30pm and that there were no consultations available. I would have to come back on another day. Today I arrived at the centre at 1pm, but was told that all the consultation slots were taken and I would have to try again.

It seems that this completely chaotic system has no one in the system looking at the patient and the impact it is having on peoples' livelihoods and wellbeing. The three unproductive visits trying to get an appointment have wasted over 6 hours of my life, not to mention lost work opportunities, travel expenses and added stress and frustration. The only ray of hope is that I can be put on the waiting list (4-5 weeks). I am still in pain and will probably have to a private physiotherapist. I am sure the NHS physiotherapists are doing their best. No private company would be able to treat its customers in this manner and survive.